This is the message — in Susan’s own handwriting — that Susan and Fiona left in the guestbook in our cabin at Promised Land State Park, Pennsylvania, 31 July 2014.

25 July–1 August 2014

We had an absolutely lovely time here. It was the first time “camping” (minus the tent) for Fiona (age 4) and Colin (7 months), and we had family staying in cabins 3, 5, and 7, so there was never a dull moment. Below is our tally:

Animals spotted:
1 snake (in the water at the lower lake dam)
2 giant beetles
3 kinds of caterpillars
(chubby green, fuzzy white, fuzzy black)
3 woodpeckers (red-headed)
many, many chipmunks
2 deer
1 rabbit
4 wild turkeys (on 390)
giant ants

Edible plants discovered:
blueberries (on Conservation Island)
blackberries or raspberries (not ripe yet, on Little Falls Trail)
sorrel (everywhere)

Other interesting wildlife:
4 kinds of mushrooms
neon yellow fungus (seriously … about 12 feet [4 meters] up a tree at the end of Little Falls Trail)
burrs
fish scales

Fiona’s favorite things:
swimming in the lake
hiking
gathering wood and making a fire
playing with my family

Colin’s favorite things:
trying to eat the dirt
going on hikes in the baby carrier
having an entire twin bed essentially to himself

On our last day, Fiona said, “I don’t want to live in New York City.” She wants to live in this very cabin. ☺ It is a great place and we’re very glad we came here!

Susan, Dustin, Fiona, and Colin

Read more about our trip.